So, if i'm trying to get you right, you are saying that although the word coumt is a determinant of the amount to receive, so platforms and employers pay less? Why would they do that? It won't be fair on the part of the writers if they receive less than they are supposed to get.The word count is the determinant of the amount to receive and some platform paid less , but on the average I think that a 500 words article would attract $5. The employer may decide to pay more or less.